Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1996

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Local people's participation is very impo1tant in mangrove rehabilitation project for mangrove forest management. The importance of local people's participation in the management and conservation of mangroves is being realized increasingly. This study is conducted with the objective of assessing the local people's pa1ticipation in Mangrove Community Development Program in Indonesia from the socioeconomic point of view. It is based on the prima1y data with some references to seconda1y data and info1mation. Findings of the study show that the project activities in the study area are at an early stage, but all villagers are pa1ticipating actively in planting, protection and management and conse1vation of mangrove resource. In those villages where the community got info1mation the village meeting is found to be ve1y impo1tant and playing vital role in the dissemination of inf01mation and knowledge related to mangrove conse1vation. It was also found that the role of the district Forest Staff in all project activities is ve1y imp01tant for the success of mangrove rehabilitation. Hence, the limited time that the Distiict Forest Staff can spend on mangrove community activities and their lack of skills in community organizing are all c1itical impediments to the success of mangrove community development.